BSVTA is moving forward to introduce a bill to present at the next legislative session (begins January 2017). The goal is to open the Veterinary Practice Act with the intent of licensing Veterinary Technicians under the Montana State Veterinary Board; in particular, defining tasks and levels of supervision that may be performed by Licensed Veterinary Technicians and support staff. In doing this we help to provide the public with a greater sense of security knowing that their pets are in properly trained hands.

Senator Nels Swandal of Livingston, Montana has been approached to sponsor this bill and he is very enthusiastic about this. We have a draft writer working on the bill and should have a rough draft by the middle of May. This should definitely be the “hot topic” of conversation at the next MVMA meeting in June.